Donate blood at LSC-Kingwood and help save a life

Published on: September 06, 2012

Donate blood and help save a life is a general motto for many medical and health care institutions. Each donation can help many patients battle their illnesses.

To continue the goal of saving lives, The Methodist Hospital System and Lone Star College-Kingwood will host a blood drive at the college Sept. 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center room 125.

“The purpose of the blood drive is to provide life-saving blood to patients who need it to fight illnesses,” said Marie Camarata, kinesiology and nutrition professor at LSC-Kingwood. “This blood drive will also go to help patients who need blood during surgery.”

Giving whole blood takes 30 to 45 minutes and double red cell donation takes 45 to 60 minutes. All eligible individuals are encouraged to participate. Blood donors are required to bring a personal photo ID (such as a state issued driver’s license or ID, passport, military ID, work ID, school ID, green card or work visa); be at least 17 years of age; weigh a minimum of 110 pounds; be hydrated prior to donating; eat a sensible meal within two to four hours before; and be in good general health. Eligible donors will receive a T-shirt.

“Blood donated will be used by our patients. We use approximately 4,000 units of blood products a month at just our main campus,” said Olivia Duffey, recruiter for Methodist Hospital’s Blood Donor Center. “Giving blood saves lives.”

This is the first time that the college will partner with Methodist to hold a blood drive. According to Camarata, this is one of the ways that the campus gives back to the community.

“Most people have been touched by family members and friends who have had a need for blood to save their lives. We feel that the drives are a wonderful way to help someone who is fighting a terrible disease,” she said.

For more information on the blood drive, contact Marie Camarata at 281-312-1705. To schedule an appointment, call 713-394-6711.

Register now for credit classes online through myLoneStar. Classes are offered days, evenings, or weekends in traditional, Internet, video, TV and independent study formats. For more information on how to register online, visit www.lonestar.edu/registration.

With 75,000 students in credit classes and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.